By REYNALD MAGALLON
Barangay Ginebra sent TNT crashing back to earth with a 92-77 victory to pick up its first win in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Wednesday, Oct. 15.
The Kings came out like a house on fire in the opening frame, immediately opening a double-digit spread en route to the dominant win over their fierce Finals rival in two conferences last season.
It was a balanced attack for Ginebra as six players scored in double figures led by veteran Japeth Aguilar, who finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Frontcourt partner Troy Rosario also had a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds.
RJ Abarrientos added 14 points while Scottie Thompson bounced back from a scoreless outing in their first game against Magnolia with 10 points, nine assists and five rebounds.
Stephen Holt and Norbert Torres chalked up 10 points apiece to help the Kings bounce back from the lackluster start and even their record to 1-1.
The Kings exploded for 33 points in the opening frame and led by as many as 24, 40-16 early in the second quarter.
TNT, behind the hot-shooting of Simon Enciso threatened to make a comeback after the Tropang 5G cut the lead down to single digits in the third frame.
That, however, was teh closest TNT could get as Ginebra easily doused the rally to cruise to the morale boosting win.
Enciso was the lone double-digit scorer for TNT with 17
The Tropang 5G slid to a 1-1 record after a rousing start against Phoenix.
The Scores:
GINEBRA 92 – J.Aguilar 17, Abarrientos 14, Rosario 13, Thompson 10, Holt 10, Torres 10, Gray 8, Estil 5, David 3, Pinto 0, Cu 0.
TNT 77 – Enciso 17, Ferrer 11, Pogoy 9, Williams 8, Galinato 8, Khobuntin 7, Oftana 6, Ganuelas-Rosser 5, Nambatac 3, Hill 2, Heading 1, Jalalon 0, Aurin 0.
QUARTERS: 33-16, 45-30, 68-48, 92-77
